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Interested in leading programs that help students prepare for college, achieve academic success, and pursue their future goals? Enjoy building partnerships with schools, families, communities, and campus stakeholders to create positive student outcomes?

If so, the Division of Student Affairs at Iowa State University is seeking a TRIO Pre-College Programs Director to provide leadership and oversight for the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs! This position is responsible for program administration, staff leadership, grant management, student success initiatives, and community partnerships that support college access and educational achievement. This position will be classified as a Manager Programs.

What You'll Do:

• Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs, ensuring alignment with program goals, federal TRIO requirements, and institutional priorities.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional and student staff, fostering a collaborative and student-centered team culture.
• Lead program planning, implementation, and assessment efforts designed to support college access, academic success, high school completion, and postsecondary enrollment for program participants.
• Oversee program budgets, resource allocation, and fiscal operations to ensure responsible stewardship of grant-funded resources.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, grant requirements, reporting standards, and university policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with K-12 schools, community organizations, campus departments, and other stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness and participant outcomes.
• Direct the collection, analysis, and reporting of program data, using assessment results and performance metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead grant administration activities, including preparing annual performance reports, monitoring progress toward objectives, and coordinating grant renewal and funding initiatives.
• Represent the programs through outreach, recruitment activities, presentations, meetings, and community engagement efforts.
• Support participant recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies while promoting a supportive environment for students.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and expanded student support services.
• Provide leadership and support for initiatives that enhance educational opportunities and student success while contributing to the continued growth and effectiveness of the TRIO programs.

The successful candidate will demonstrate progressive leadership and supervisory experience, with the ability to effectively oversee multiple federally funded programs concurrently. They will possess a strong background in project administration, including grant management, budget oversight, and adherence to funding requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate (PhD) preferred in counseling, student services, education, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with federally funded TRIO programs or other college access and pre-college programs.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships with K-12 schools, school districts, community organizations, and educational stakeholders.
• Experience planning, implementing, and assessing programs that support educational access, academic success, and postsecondary enrollment, including the use of program data and performance metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Grant writing experience, including proposal development and compliance with funding guidelines.

About TRIO Talent Search and Upward Bound at Iowa State University:

Iowa State University TRIO Talent Search is a college preparatory program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the likelihood that participants graduate from high school and enroll in college. Talent Search provides students with academic enrichment, financial aid resources, career exploration and advising through monthly school visits. Talent Search advisors work with school counselors and teachers to identify qualified youth who have the potential for success in college. To learn more about Talent Search, please visit TRIO Talent Search.

Upward Bound is a federally funded college preparatory program for high school students. It primarily serves students from income-eligible families and those whose parents do not hold a bachelor's degree. Key features and goals of the Upward Bound program include: academic support, college and career preparation, enrichment activities, developing life skills, and a summer residential program. The long-term goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants not only enroll in, but also graduate from, institutions of higher education. To learn more about Upward Bound, please visit TRIO Upward Bound.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before November 2nd, 2026.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.